windows 10 News

Microsoft is bringing one of Windows 10's headline enterprise features to Windows 7 and 8.1. Despite maintaining that businesses should upgrade to Windows 10 for maximum protection, Microsoft said it wants to help all customers improve security.

Microsoft is to abandon its Windows 10 S variant and replace it with an optional "S Mode" for Windows 10 Home and Pro. The "S" version was devised as a more secure Windows that only runs Store apps. In practice, it's a restrictive platform for many users.

Microsoft's building a new version of Windows 10 that will break away from the operating system's legacy roots. Intended for devices with conventional form factors, the "Polaris" project will revolve around Windows Store apps and a modular architecture.

Microsoft's announced the next version of Windows 10 will include an app that lets you view the diagnostic data collected from your device. After facing criticism of its telemetry for years, Microsoft said it now wants to "increase trust" in its products.

Microsoft has publicly addressed the scepticism around its Cortana assistant. The company's rival to Alexa and Google Assistant has been left exposed after CES. It has only a handful of third-party integrations and consumer use is thought to be low.

Microsoft's announced a renewed push into the education sector for 2018. The company's launched a new range of Windows 10-powered PCs for the classroom, accompanied by improved software capabilities across its education and productivity suites.

Microsoft is planning to move Cortana into a redesigned Action Center panel on Windows 10. The digital assistant will be reworked around conversations, similarly to Google Assistant, as Microsoft aims to increase adoption of the feature.

Amazon's announced that select Windows 10 PCs will come with Alexa built-in this year. The company has partnered with Windows device manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, HP and Lenovo to add Alexa to new laptops. Microsoft doesn't appear to be involved.

Microsoft's launched Windows 10 on ARM, a project that brings its desktop operating system to a new category of hardware. The company has partnered with Qualcomm to build Windows devices with smartphone processors, offering month-long battery life.

Microsoft's announced an experimental Windows 10 feature that adds a tabbed interface to every app. First rumoured earlier in the year, "Sets" offers a structured way to work with different desktop activities by grouping app instances together in tabs.

Microsoft's testing a major redesign of Windows 10's search that introduces a new design similar to Spotlight in macOS. It's abandoning search's current home inside Cortana in favour of a floating search box that appears in the middle of your display.

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, the latest version of the OS and the first to include support for Windows Mixed Reality. Microsoft is betting big on bringing mixed reality and 3D content into the lives of consumers.

Microsoft has announced the Surface Book 2, the anticipated upgraded version of its detachable laptop featuring improved performance. The surprise unveiling comes on the same day Microsoft's new Windows Mixed Reality platform is introduced to the world.

A report from the Netherlands has found Windows 10 breaches data protection laws by collecting personal information without letting users explicitly choose settings. Microsoft has said it is assessing the case, claiming privacy compliance is "a priority."

Microsoft has confirmed Windows 10 Mobile will not be getting any new features going forward. The company said the lack of apps on the platform has caused its demise. The operating system will still be supported with bug fixes and security updates.

Microsoft is reportedly laying down the groundwork for a more modular Windows known as Andromeda. The company wants to rid itself of the 30-year-old legacy components in Windows 10, creating a more agile platform that adapts to different hardware.

Dell has opened preorders for its Visor mixed reality headset. It's one of several Windows-powered MR devices arriving this fall that integrate directly with Windows 10. The headset is designed around comfort and is priced competitively for the holidays.

Microsoft's latest security report contains several interesting statistics on Windows antivirus usage. Over half of all PCs running Windows 7 have no antivirus software installed or have it turned off. The situation's not much better on newer versions.

Microsoft has launched a new version of Windows 10 designed specifically for users of high-end workstation PCs. The company said it had listened to feedback from customers asking for a desktop operating system tailored to server-grade hardware.

Windows 10 users have been "positive" about privacy improvements made with the recent Creators Update. Microsoft said that feedback suggests its customers are now pleased with the options available but it recognised there's "still work to do."

Microsoft has responded to the massive community reaction that followed its deprecation of its classic Paint app yesterday. The company acknowledged there was "incredible" nostalgia for the 32-year-old program and promised it would remain available.

Microsoft Paint, the company's fan-favourite Windows drawing app, is being deprecated 32 years after its release. Microsoft confirmed the next Windows 10 update will see support for Paint come to an end. It will however remain available.

LinkedIn has announced it is rolling out a new Windows app that lets you get notifications on your PC when people connect with you on the network. The Microsoft-owned platform is now better integrated with Windows, improving your productivity.

Microsoft has announced that the Ubuntu Linux distribution is now available within the Windows Store. It lets you access Linux terminal features from your Windows PC, without dual-booting. It's a reflection of Microsoft's changing attitude to developers.

Microsoft has confirmed that one of the big new features announced as part of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update won't be ready in time for its launch this year. Timeline is meant to simplify switching between devices and visualising how you spend time.

Microsoft is reportedly testing a new Windows 10 Cortana interface that is more "conversational," akin to Google Assistant. Cortana is also moving from the taskbar, near the Start button, to the system tray, next to the Action Center icon.

Microsoft's latest Windows Insider preview build has introduced a set of new accessibility features that will make Windows easier to use for people with individualised input requirements. They include expanded Braille support and an improved narrator.